School Easter Egg Hunt

!!Warning!!! Picture OVERLOAD...

Today the school had their annual Easter egg hunt and party. It was SO much fun! It was chaos, but fun! There wasn't room to park when I got there! There were so many parents there supporting their kiddos. I was torn because I had to be with one baby girl at a time. The hubster couldn't make it and Gigi was just back to work from being off and at the hospital. The lil' cupcakes class hunted eggs first. At the start of the hunt she was looking at all the other kids picking up eggs and putting them in their baskets and then the light went off. I kept showing her eggs...next thing I know:
She was not happy when the egg hunt was over and they sent her class back inside!
I showed her how to open the eggs and we pulled out a reese cup. I popped it in her mouth and walla:
Next up it was the Princess turn! She got out the door last but enjoyed every minute of the egg hunt!

I have the hardest time getting her to look at me when I take pics but I finally got one!
And because the lil' cupcake cried when I was going to hunt eggs with the Princess they let me take her out on the egg hunt with another class. The director yelled for me to check out what she was up to at one point in the Egg Hunt and I saw her trying to take eggs from a sweet little boy!

After her egg hunt was over they sent her class to the big kid playground to enjoy the 'carnival' they had set up for the kids. Popcorn, snowcones, and playground equipment with lots of toys. What more could a kid ask for?!

Tomorrow is another big day for us. My wonderful hubby has a birthday! Woot Woot! He's so awesome so expect another good mushy post!

Updates on Katie

Katie's parents have set up a website to keep everyone informed on her progress. It can be found HERE. They plan to update it as they can with progress information and there is a guestbook for people who want to leave encouraging words. Please still remember her in your prayers. Here is one of my favorite recent pictures of her:

This is after the 'treasure dig'. I had to get a picture of her with all her 'loot'. I love it!

New Easter Egg Hunt Dress

I wanted to share a quick pic of the lil' cupcake in her Easter Egg Hunting dress I got her from an etsy shop called She she made. Check out her blog at Sheshebows. They are having a give away going on now. I am in LOVE with this cute little dress. Very well made! That little bunny applique'd on the bottom side is too cute...and the detail! She even has a little bow on her! There will be more pics to come in this outfit. I took them today at the schools Easter Egg hunt which I plan to post later. We will also wear this one to our Saturday Easter Egg hunt, weather permitting! =)

Have a blessed day!

Little Missy Princess

About a month ago I ordered some crocheted newsboys hats for the girls off of etsy. I got them in over the weekend. The lil' cupcake will have nothing to do with them. She still hates hats. However, I got the little Princess dressed in her egg hunting clothes for tomorrow and one of the hats was a perfect little match. I convinced her to model just a bit for me. Here are a few pics. =)

She wanted to make a 'mean' face. Ha, ha! Then she wanted to see her picture.

And one more because I think she's so darn cute!


So tomorrow is our school Easter egg hunt and party. I made cookies for both girls class and some little 'tweets' to go to their friends. I didn't get pics of them but I got the idea from Beth over at The Stories of A to Z, and she has lovely pics of the ones she made! I got all colors of peeps, dipped them in melted white chocolate and then sprinkles. They aren't as pretty as Beth's but I don't think the kids will mind. The hubby said "let me get this straight, you are taking candy of pure sugar and dipping it in more sugar and then sprinkles made of sugar???" Yup. I did it. And they are adorable. =) Hopefully work will allow me to take an early lunch tomorrow so I can go get some shots of the girls hunting eggs. The lil' cupcake has an adorable new dress I'd like to post pics of her in soon!

Hope you have a blessed night!

Katie update

*** Update 3/31/10,Shear Injury is what we've been told Katie has. Also I am labeling all these posts as "katie" to make them easier to locate ***

This week has brought new doctors to the ICU. These doctors have performed some assesment tests on Katie that have not been done before. Previously the medical staff said things like "brain swelling " and "concussion" and there was nothing else going on. They expected her to 'wake up' in 5 days. The new assesment was more in depth. More what I have been reading on the internet about head injuries. They tested the ability to respond to light, touch, and sound. Katie responds to touch. She isn't responding so much to the sound and light. This brought new information to us. Her brain is still swelling and that would continue up to 10 days from the accident. At that point they would re-access her.

The good news is that earlier this week they were talking feeding tube and today they are saying she has the ability to swallow so they are going to try a liquid diet of some sort (whether it's sippy cup or bottle, just some form she can get down nutrients).

Katie and her parents are still in need of prayer. This is a time of waiting. Katie's brain needs rest and time to heal. Please join with me and pray for Katie, her parents, and the medical staff that is treating her. I am still believing God for a full recovery. It might take her body time to heal, but I am praying for God to send his healing touch to her and make her whole again.
If you have babies and kiddos or nieces and nephews or just kids who mean alot to you...take the time today to give them and extra hug.

Katie, when you pull out of this you are going to be one spoiled little girl! By ALL of us!

For our sweet Katie, I am claiming this verse in the name of Jesus!
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

*Happy* 1st blog award

Well, I'm pretty excited! I got my first blog award! When I saw this today I did a little happy dance. I needed a pick me up! Thank you so much Jennifer! Check out her cute blog The Getts Times !
So here's the award:

The rules for this award are:
1 . When you have received this award you must thank the person that awarded you the award in a new post.
2 . Name 10 things that make you happy.
3 . Pass this award onto 10 bloggers and inform them.

Ten things that make me happy:
1. My girlie girls! The pic below is one of my favs...oldie but goodie =)

2. My hubby. He is the best hubby and daddy ever!

3. Pedicures!

4. Singing =) At church, karaoke, whatever....just singing. I love it.
5. Family and friends! I could post so many pics here. I am a family person big time! I really enjoy being with my family and my inlaws too! I have a handful of friends who have been there through thick and thin...so they are really family too!
6. Photography. I love taking pics. I love learning about taking better pics. I love editing pics. I am not aspiring to be a professional, but I am enjoying being a novice.

7. Crafts! I don't have much time for crafts at all with two young'uns but I've always enjoyed it! Lately I've been contemplating buying a silhouette sd. I want one so bad but I keep thinking, is it worth the money just to feed my need to craft. The need I have no time for? Ha, ha! We'll see!!!
8. Blogging. =) I am really enjoying the world of blogging. I started this blog to inform family of our happenings. But as I've ventured outside that realm a bit I've enjoyed making new friends!
9. The beach! Any beach with white sand and warm temps! Here's a shot from our last beach trip...it's been WAAAY to long!

10. This one is way up there. Diet Mountain Dew. Yup. I said it. A soft drink can make me happy. Please don't ever end up 'bad' for me. I don't want to end our life long love affair.
I am passing this award on to the following bloggers:

1. Cristal @ the 8 o'clock hour

2. Joy @ My JOY-filled Life!!

3. Meghan @ The Carrolls

4. Katie @ Cleared For Takeoff

5. Tracey @ The Way I See It

6. Anna @ The Happy Heflins

7. Pouty Princess @ The Pouty Pink Princess

8. Kelly - I would love to have you on this list. I so enjoy reading your blog! Since it's private I'm obviously not linking. But it's one of my fav reads for sure! =)

Katie

Katie is still in ICU. They were able to take her off the ventilator and she is breathing on her own. I thank God for that. She had a really restless night and day, though this afternoon has gotten a little better. She is still in need of prayer. Deep prayer. The doctors are saying it could be up to 5 days before she is conscious again. Please continue to remember her and her parents and grandparents in prayer. Also please pray for her Aunt who was driving. Emotionally I can't imagine her pain either. She loves Katie so much and this is really hard on her in many ways. Here is a picture of our sweet Katie from just a few weeks ago at my daughters bday party.
As her grandpa calls her "Katie, katie, sweet potatee"

Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world.
Red, brown, yellow, black, and white
Katie you are precious in HIS sight.
Jesus loves the little children of the world.

Please pray for my niece!

My niece and her aunt were involved in a car accident today. It is serious stuff. My niece is in ICU and unconscious. They have her on a machine to help her breathe right now. There have been a couple of positive signs. I understand she has blinked and tried to talk to my stepdad. This baby is only five years old. I can't fathom what her parents are going through right now. I know she's a fighter. She can pull through this. Please pray with me, agree with me in prayer that she will pull through this. That she will make a FULL recovery ASAP. Her parents are hurting and I KNOW my stepdad is about to lose his mind. I ask you to add them to your prayers as well.
Dear God, I pray that angels surround them all. I pray that your Holy Spirit would be there to comfort them. Give them a sense of calm when they are speaking to physicians and the ability to digest everything being said. Give the physicians WISDOM to KNOW what to do. Keep my niece out of any pain and please do not let her be fearful. Let her feel the love of all of her family and friends surrounding her and rallying to be with her at this moment. I pray that every ounce of her strength would rise up to defeat this. I believe that you are a God of miracles and my niece deserves one. I pray that she would make an astounding recovery and be every bit the lively, intellegent, and beautiful little girl she has always been. I pray that this is only a bump in the road to her wonderful future. I thank you for all of these things. In Jesus precious name...Amen!
Mathew 18:19 "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven."

I heart Thursdays!

I am participating in this weeks I "heart"... at You and Me Plus Three. Go there now to add yours and read others!!

i ~♥~ sunny days!

i ~♥~ that our audit is over at work and it is now going to be ANNUAL!

i ~♥~ that my lil' cupcake is blowing kisses now!

i ~♥~ using my 'alternate' lense! I let a friend borrow my normal lense and tried out my backup. Had it since I got the camera and never used it. It's a new fav!

i ~♥~ my princess is beginning to talk non stop...really i do!

i ~♥~ my hubby. He is awesome. Works full time, going to college part time, and still a great daddy and hubby.

i ~♥~ that my MIL got plane reservations to visit us soon! =)

i ~♥~ that I finally started back hard core on the diet! I am ready to be back to myself!

Faith

I've read several blogs lately talking about having Faith in God for various things. For some it's faith in getting a new job, some faith that God is in control over this healthcare bill passing, some it's faith for a spouse, others have faith for a child. We serve a God who is so Faithful. Our timing and His timing may not coincide and sometimes that makes it so difficult for us as humans. But His timing is perfect. His timing is what keeps us in His will.
Today I got a Word of the Day on my facebook account from my favorite tv minister...Joel Osteen. I think I am so drawn to his messages because they are not negative. They encourage me to grow in the Lord. The messages are encouraging. These days we all need that!
Today's verse that was shared is : “For the vision is yet for an appointed time…though it tarries, wait for it” (Habakkuk 2:3, KJV).
Joel's message:

God has an appointed time to fulfill the visions, dreams, and desires in your heart. Just because it has taken a long time or because you’ve tried and failed doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. Don’t give up on those dreams! Don’t be complacent about pursuing what God has placed in your heart. Our God is a faithful God. No matter how long it’s been, no matter how impossible things look, if you’ll stay in faith, your set time is coming.

Remember, every dream that’s in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God put it there. Not only that, but He has every intention of bringing it to pass. Hold on to that vision today. Declare by faith, “My time is coming. God is working behind the scenes on my behalf. I will fulfill my destiny!” As you continue to hold on to that vision and speak life over your dreams, it won’t be long before you see them begin to take shape. You’ll see your faith grow, you’ll see your hope strengthen, and you’ll see yourself step into the destiny God has prepared for you!

Prayer for Today: Father in heaven, I receive Your Word which is life and health to me today. I ask that You ignite my heart with Your holy fire so that I can pursue Your perfect plan for my life. Make my thoughts and words agreeable to Your will. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. "

I will share with you the story of two times in my life where I stayed in Faith and witnessed God's plan unfold.

1. I prayed to become a mother for several years. I was married and it just wasn't happening. I had an invasive surgery to prepare me for fertility. A month later the man I was married to told me he wanted a divorce. What was I to do? I prayed. I stayed in faith. God didn't put that desire in my heart to be a wife and mother for no reason. I believed He was going to fulfill it! I marched on through the divorce with prayer and faith. God helped me through that time. I always new He had a plan for me that I just didn't see yet. I met my husband and he has blessed us with two wonderful daughters. It was going to be all in HIS time. I now have a faithful husband who is an AWESOME father. I could not see how in control God was for me at the time, but I had faith that he was.


2. I've talked about my hubby being deployed recently. The circumstances were not just a normal thing. He'd been stoplossed just two months before his contract was up with the Guard. We'd already determined he would not re-up. How could this be happening. What were we to do? Pray. We prayed...daily, even hourly sometimes! I believed God for a miracle. That somehow he would not have to go. The time came and he left us. I was sad, but life had to go on for my girls. I kept myself in an attitude of faith. I woke up everyday and thanked God in advance for my hubby's early return. I told him when we talked he didn't have long to go because I had FAITH that God would return him to our family quickly.
I continued to pray. I continued to have Faith in God. I believed that he would not spend the timeframe over there that was given to us by the Guard. I continued to believe my God was bigger than the Army. Let me tell you, HE IS! My husband came home a few months early! This was just a very quick and almost unbelievable happening. He didn't end up missing the lil' cupcakes first birthday, he didn't end up missing Christmas, he didn't even miss Halloween or Thanksgiving! WOW, just WOW! How awesome is that?!

What about you? Do you have any stories to share about how you have stayed in Faith and seen God move?

Typical Spring Afternoon

When we got home from work daddy wanted to do a little yard work. Our yard is a HOT MESS! We quit having it treated while daddy was deployed so we could have someone mow it for me!
Since daddy was spraying chemicals all over I decided to take the girls for a wagon ride. It started off with the girls holding their "flower" the princess picked and talking like this:

And this...

Then a certain someone wouldn't stay seated. She was adamant she wasn't going to sit. She'd had a rough ride home with lots of crying (I think she was just overly tired and she is also still cutting teeth). At any rate I ended up holding her.
Ofcourse after I got cupcake out the ride just wasn't the same so the Princess also wanted out.

The lil' cupcake was wanting to run around. No one was in the cul de sac so I quickly ran in front of her to get a quick snap shot before we headed back to the part of the yard daddy hadn't treated yet.
The princess wasn't far behind.
I went to put Cupcake in the yard so I could go back for the wagon and she threw a fit! Reminded me SO much of the Princess after a wagon ride when she just a little older (but about the same size). See any family resemblence? These girls let you know when you've interrupted their world. LOL!
After we got calmed down the girls took turns on all the millions of ride on toys we have.


Tomorrow is supposed to be even warmer so I hope we get home early enough to get out and play some more! I just love a typical spring afternoon, don't you?!
Have a blessed day!